Tambuwal orders probe of death of suspect in NSCDC custody...

Sokoto - Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has directed its Human Rights Agency to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of a 38-year-old Jamilu Abdullahi. Abdullahi was reported dead while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Sokoto State Command. A statement by Tambuwal's spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said in Sokoto on Friday that the governor expressed sadness over the unfortunate situation. Also read: 3 000 NSCDC men deployed to Bauchi State Tambuwal said that the state government would investigate to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of Abdullahi and recommend steps to avert future occurrence. The statement added that the administration of Tambuwal valued human lives and would continue to respect the sanctity of the lives of all its citizens.

Buhari tells APC senators, Reps to accept party supremacy...

Abuja - President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday urged lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept the party’s supremacy in the interest of democracy, reports Vanguard. Buhari, who spoke at the party's’ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja appealed to members to put whatever interest they have in their “pocket” and accept the supremacy of the party in the overall interest of democracy. Also read: APC set for stormy NEC meeting Buhari said he was disappointed that members were defying the decisions of the party in the selection of principal officers in the National Assembly. Friday’ meeting of the party’s NEC is the first since the party won the presidential election. Read more at Vanguard.

East African leaders to meet over Burundi crisis..

Arusha - East African leaders are to meet on Monday in the latest bid to resolve the political crisis in Burundi, after controversial elections were internationally condemned for not being free and fair. More than 70 people have been killed in more than two months of protests and a failed coup attempt sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's defiant bid for a third term, with almost 144,000 refugees fleeing into neighbouring nations. "Heads of state will make an assessment of the situation in the country," said Owora Othieno, spokesman for the five-nation East African Community (EAC). Parliamentary and local elections were held on Monday despite an appeal by UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon to postpone the polls after months of turmoil. The UN electoral observer mission said in a report late on Thursday that the elections took place "in a tense political crisis, and a climate of widespread fear and intimidation". Also Read: US calls for Burundi election delay The meeting will be held on July 6 in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam, where two regional summits on the crisis have already been held. During the first summit in May 13, a general staged a failed bid to unseat Nkurunziza while the president himself attended the talks. Nkurunziza did not attend a second summit on May 31, and it was not immediatly clear if he would attend Monday's planned meeting. The results of the parliamentary polls have yet to be released, but former colonial power Belgium has said it will not recognise the outcome and the United States has also ratcheted up international pressure, calling for presidential elections on July 15 to be delayed. The EAC bloc includes Burundi, as well as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. - AFP

Buhari commended for appointing first female INEC chairman

Lagos - Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, the
Archbishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of
Nigeria, Anglican Communion, on Wednesday
expressed satisfaction with the appointment of
Amina Zakari as the acting Chairman of INEC.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday
appointed Zakari, as INEC chair in an acting
capacity following the expiration of Professor
Attahiru Jega’s tenure.
The cleric said that he was not surprised by
the appointment of Zakari as "females seem to
be taking the positions" in almost every aspect
of Nigeria’s life.
"We thank God for the phase in which Nigeria
is; if you look at every aspect of our nation,
females seem to be taking the positions down;
so am not surprised."
Many females have occupied eminent positions
and have held their own sway.